Our Story

Richard’s Story…

Richard came from a background of turmoil. In his early childhood, he experienced violence, the divorce of his parents, and many kinds of emotional pain. Growing up in a city in southern California, he witnessed first hand the devastating affects and scars left behind by the brutality of gang and mafia warfare.

From the time he was a small child, all he ever wanted to be was a “cowboy who helped people.” His friends knew they could count on him, but the cruelty he experienced created much bitterness and anger in his heart.

God got his attention in a dramatic way with a supernatural experience that forced him to choose between God and the lies of this world. He accepted Jesus as his Savior when he was 22. Knowing he was forgiven of all his sins allowed him to begin on the road to healing. He was able to forgive himself and let God heal his heart so he could find peace. His greatest desire is to lead others to the same healing and peace he has experienced.

With a great leap of faith and expression of commitment to the vision for Hearts Up Ranch, he, together with his wife, embarked on the Ride Across America in 2010 which lasted nearly two years. He continues to work diligently toward his life goal which is embodied in the mission of Hearts Up Ranch.

Hearts Up Ranch Donation Form

“If everyone who heard about us during the Ride Across America alone donated only $1, Hearts Up Ranch would already be fully funded. EVERY donation matters.” – Richard McGrath

A charitable contribution of any size is much appreciated, is tax deductible, and will go directly to benefit Hearts Up Ranch. Your gift will be used to better the lives of others. Your donation matters.

Your Name

* E-mail

Amount $

Donors

Become our first donor!

Jeannette’s Story…

Jeannette grew up on her family’s farm in Connecticut, and her mom knew before she was a year old that she would never outgrow her love for horses. The horse she was given when she was ten was her best friend and shoulder to cry on throughout her teenage years.

As far back as she can remember classmates always knew her as a compassionate listener to their problems. One year she went with her family on a wilderness pack trip for their vacation, and it was there she discovered that she wanted to work with horses and people for her life long career.

She had a fairly normal and happy childhood, but like most children, ended up repeating family ‘baggage’. Even though she grew up going to church, she never truly understood the gift of Jesus until she was 22. Jeannette realized she would perpetuate bad habits and continue in selfishness without the strength and forgiveness of God. So she began on a journey of healing and allowing God to cultivate her gift of compassion.

Her primary passion is sharing her love of horses and God’s creation with everyone. With Richard, she journeyed across America on horseback accomplishing a childhood dream and experiencing a whole new level of trust and faith in God. Since the coast to coast ride was the springboard into fundraising efforts for Hearts Up Ranch, she continues to funnel her energy toward the mutual vision she shares with Richard.

Our Story…

The McGraths met in college while studying horses and guest ranching. Richard previously focused on psychology, but then changed his major to pursue his dream to be a cowboy.

Jeannette, as valedictorian, was pushed to go to a prestigious university, but remained true to her dream to share horses with people, thus they enrolled at the same college.

After graduation, they were married. Together they worked on several guest ranches as program leaders, lived at hunting camps, worked on horse farms, and helped at a therapeutic riding facility. Jeannette started a horse training and lessons business, while Richard acted as the behavior specialist at a school for adjudicated youth.

In their marriage they experienced financial hardship, illness, major injuries, and the pain of combined and un-dealt-with baggage. They sought out biblical counseling and were given practical tools to allow healing in their lives, thus blessing their marriage. Throughout the years, God has faithfully sent people into their lives to remind and encourage them to follow their dreams. This support gave them a great desire to “pay forward” the kindness they received and

God ultimately revealed to them the calling of Hearts Up Ranch. Their journey on the Ride Across America from 2010-11 benefited their vision, accomplished a dream, and dramatically influenced their lives. Not only did they experience more kindness, but they also had to work through Post Traumatic Stress, ‘Battle Stress’, and Nightmares caused by incidents and dangers on the trail. Having experienced first hand once again the healing power of Christ, they continue today to work toward the ultimate reality of opening Hearts Up Ranch so others can experience the same healing in their lives.

Hearts Up Ranch Donation Form

“If everyone who heard about us during the Ride Across America alone donated only $1, Hearts Up Ranch would already be fully funded. EVERY donation matters.” – Richard McGrath

A charitable contribution of any size is much appreciated, is tax deductible, and will go directly to benefit Hearts Up Ranch. Your gift will be used to better the lives of others. Your donation matters.

Your Name

* E-mail

Amount $

Donors

Become our first donor!

Thank You to our faithful Board Members without which Hearts Up Ranch could not exist…